CPAP Equipment Not Stored in Sanitary Manner
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including respiratory failure, COPD, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia, was observed to have their CPAP mask and tubing stored on the floor between the bed and the wall, rather than in a sanitary manner. The resident's care plan and physician orders required the use of CPAP nightly, regular cleaning of the mask and tubing, and proper storage of respiratory equipment. The facility's policy also specified that CPAP equipment should be cleaned according to guidelines and stored in a bag with a date when not in use. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA, a licensed nurse, and an administrative nurse, confirmed that the expectation was for all respiratory equipment to be stored in a dated bag and that bags should be changed weekly. Despite these policies and staff knowledge, the resident's CPAP equipment was not stored as required, leading to a failure to maintain sanitary conditions for respiratory care equipment.